Middle Triassic fossils from Switzerland provide new insights into the early evolution of gliding in ray-finned fishes—a crucial development that preceded their true flight as seen in modern flying fishes. Unlike modern aerial gliders that propel themselves into the air with their muscular fins, the first gliders relied on their fish body for initial thrust in water and glided using specialized elongated fin rays. The Swiss fossils show unique modifications that likely provided enhanced manoeuvrability during subaerial gliding of these pioneers.